dedication

Whether you call it Infant Dedication or Infant Baptism, we don't care what you cal it or how old the kids are. We believe that kids are a gift on loan from God, adn that we are called to raise them in the community of faith. 

At Hope Commons Church, child dedication is a moment where parents publicly recognize that their children are a gift from God—entrusted to them for a season.
But more than that, it’s a declaration that we don’t raise kids in faith alone.
We believe the church is not just a place we attend—it’s a community of people living life together, following Jesus side by side. Child dedication is an invitation into that shared life.
Some families may prefer the language of infant baptism. We’re comfortable with that. While traditions use different words, we believe we’re often describing the same reality:

• Entrusting a child to God
• Committing to raise them in faith
  Inviting the community to walk with them

In traditions that practice infant baptism, there is often a later confirmation of faith as a child grows and takes ownership of their belief.
At Hope Commons Church, we share that same heart. As children grow into the age of accountability—and even into adulthood—we intentionally create opportunities to talk with them about their own faith and invite them to make a public declaration of their decision to follow Jesus through their own baptism.

Child dedication is for parents who:

• Recognize their child is ultimately belongs to God
• Want to raise their child in the way of Jesus
• Intend to share life with a community of faith, not just attend services
• Desire support, encouragement, and accountability from others
  
  

While dedications often involve infants, there is no age requirement.
What Are Parents Committing To?
When you dedicate your child, you are committing to:

• Raise your child in the way of Jesus
• Model a life of faith in everyday life for your child
• Stay meaningfully connected to the church community
• Invite others into your child’s spiritual formation
  
  

Scripture paints this as something woven into daily life—not just moments:
“Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (CEB)
“Repeat these words to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road.”
— Deuteronomy 6:7 (CEB)

We don’t believe in raising kids around the church—we believe in raising them within a spiritual family.
That means when a child is dedicated, the church is saying:
“We’re in this with you.”

We commit to:

• Pray for your child and your family
• Show up consistently in their lives
• Create spaces where faith can grow at every stage
• Be present voices of truth, encouragement, and care
  
  

This happens through people who step in as:

• Children’s Church leaders
• Youth group leaders
• Camp counselors
• College Bible study leaders
• Mentors, coaches, and everyday examples of faith
  
  

And honestly, it also happens in the in-between moments—hallway conversations, shared meals, car rides, and showing up when it matters.
Scripture calls us into this kind of shared life:
“Don’t stop meeting together with other believers… but encourage each other.”
— Hebrews 10:25 (CEB)

This isn’t about checking a box—it’s about stepping into a shared life of faith together.
1. Connect with a Pastor
Start by meeting with one of our pastors. We’ll walk through what it means to dedicate your child to God and how we, as a church, walk alongside you in that commitment.
2. Choose a Weekend and a Service Time
Select a service that works for your family—often a time when friends and extended family can be present to celebrate with you.
3. Share Your Story
We’ll invite you to record a short intro video (with our help) so the church can celebrate your child’s dedication together across all services.
4. Be Ready on Dedication Day
On the day of dedication, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the service to connect with the pastor leading the dedication and get settled.

During a weekend service, we will:

• Invite parents and families forward
• Ask a few simple questions of commitment
• Pray over each child
• Invite the church to respond in support
  
  

This isn’t just a moment on stage—it’s a moment where a whole community says yes.

If you’re interested in dedicating your child, we’d love to walk with you.
Reach out or sign up for the next dedication—we’ll guide you through it.